Chapter 2.08
LEGAL DEPARTMENT*
Sections:
2.08.020 City attorney – Appointment.
2.08.030 City attorney – Duties.
* Code reviser’s note: Ordinance 3169 repealed and reenacted this chapter. Prior to its repeal and reenactment, the chapter concerned the city attorney and was based on the provisions of Ords. 261, 2241 and 2677.
2.08.010 Department created.
The legal department is established and created. (Ord. 3169 § 2 (Exh. B), 2017).
2.08.020 City attorney – Appointment.
In accordance with Ordinance No. 2241 (1991), the position of city attorney is created and established, as an appointive (nonelected) position.
The city attorney shall be appointed by the city manager to serve at the pleasure of the city manager. In the absence or vacancy of the city attorney position, the city manager may appoint an acting city attorney to perform all the duties of the city attorney. The city attorney shall have the authority to appoint and remove, subject to the approval of the city manager, any professional assistant city attorneys and legal assistants. The city attorney shall be an attorney licensed and qualified to practice law in and before the Supreme Court of the state of Washington, with such other and additional qualifications as may be determined by the city manager. The compensation for the office of city attorney shall be as set by ordinance. (Ord. 3169 § 2 (Exh. B), 2017).
2.08.030 City attorney – Duties.
The city attorney shall be the head of the city’s legal department which renders legal advice, counsel and services to the city council, the city manager, departments, employees, boards, committees and commissions of the city, in matters relating to city affairs. The city attorney drafts, reviews and approves ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal instruments and documents; provides written and oral opinions and legal advice concerning city affairs; administers compliance with various state and local laws, statutes, administrative rules, ordinances and city contracts; and represents the city in judicial and administrative proceedings not in the charge of special legal counsel as may be approved by the city council as provided in RCW 35A.13.090, or insurance defense counsel. (Ord. 3169 § 2 (Exh. B), 2017).